Nautical Nursery

Back before Steven and I found out that Carter was a "he",  we  (okay fine, it was mostly me) combed through pinterest pictures of nurseries looking for ideas.  We were convinced that we should be more concerned with pink things but when the nautical theme for boys popped up as an option, we both loved it.  When the news came that we were having a little boy I was so glad we already knew what we liked.  I had in my head exactly what I wanted.... all we needed was to get through the move back to Kingport and then I could get started on putting it all together. 

Months and months later, we are finally finished with Carter's room.  No time like the present.... as he could show up ANY DAY NOW! 

Thanks to Michelle for helping us get the paint on the walls, Bebe for getting the crib skirt and pillow made, and Nana for the awesome crib and dresser!  I still have to add the pictures of the awesome painting by Aunt Rebecca hanging on the door and the fan Carter's daddy installed for him last week so stay tuned for updates.   

The pictures hanging above the crib are pictures I took while out on the water in Charleston, SC seven (or so) years ago.  I did a little cartoon edit to them and voila!  I love that I was finally able to use them!

Thank you SO MUCH for the crib and dresser, Nana!  We LOVE them!
 And we made sure the adorable bucket Auntie Kay gave Carter stayed close to his books!  Can't wait for you to read to him!  

A few paintings I did in my spare time while waiting on Carter to show up

2 more special items of note - the cross-stitch by my sister-in-law's mother Joyce (what a talent!) and the ABC box our niece, Lila (aka, Picasso!), painted for her cousin.   

A refinished side table, custom pillow (thanks again, Bebe!!) and the softest nautical blanket from our friend from Marion, Pat!

I LOVE the crib skirt from Bebe and the sweet sign from one of my best friends, Courtney (Corney!)

I love the way it turned out and can't wait for our little guy to get here to enjoy it!   

Shower Time!

Last month, my mother, sister, and sister in law threw Carter an ADORABLE nautical themed baby shower in Marion, SC.  It was a classy combination of delicious food, cute games (none of that "what's in the diaper" stuff!), a mimosa station, and the best company a girl could ask for!  You ladies really know how to throw a party! 

It was incredible to be able to be surrounded by so many supportive women that care about our growing family and WOW!  ... did they spoil us!  The mound of presents for Carter just barely fit into our SUV and I thought for sure we were going to have to make 2 trips to be able to get everything home!  I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with family and friends that we don't get to see enough of and I can't say thanks enough for the hostesses and guests for all that went into the shower. 

Since it was a drop-in shower the games were a DIY style that you could do at your leisure.  Here are a few pictures of their neat ideas.

"Guess Carter's Birthday!"

Guests were invited to use the "feet" stamp and sign their name on the date they thought Carter will be gracing us with his presence.  I can't wait to see which of you ladies is correct!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Guests were also invited to share some "words of wisdom" with the new parents. 

Here is a glimpse of the "Message in a Bottle Mad Lib" station.

 

 

One of my favorite stations was where guests were asked to help Carter learn his ABC's by drawing a picture to the corresponding letter on the paper.  I have to say, I was impressed with the talent that showed up!  Our plan is to make the finished product into an "ABC" book for the little man, filled with creativity and love by some of his parent's favorite people. 

 

 

 

"Who Did It?"

 The last game station was to see if you could guess which of Carter's parents did what was listed on the board.  Some of these were tough!

                                               

I loved all of the decorations and details!  Here's a sampling of pictures of the set up before the party started.

 

 

The pre-party view of the present table.  I'm telling you, this child is SPOILED already!  I wish we would've gotten a picture of how big this pile got before we started opening his gifts!

 

 

 

And here are a few of the gifts being opened....

 



this picture cracks me up!  LOVE the pose, Rebecca!!!



THANK YOU for keeping such a detailed list of Carter's gifts, Aunt Cece!!!



can't you just hear the unanimous "awwwww" in this picture!?



couldn't have done it without your help, Rebecca!  THANK YOU!



the 2 cutest little ladies at the shower.  so glad they took to each other so well!

 

And finally a few of the pictures of the wonderful guests that showered Carter in Marion.  Thanks again for everything ladies.  We feel overwhelmed with gratitude at the thoughtfulness and generosity for our little miracle.  I can't wait for all of you to meet him!

2 of my friends from the "good ole days".... Heather and Linda!

 

Carter's beautiful Aunt Cece!

 

one of my bests, Rebecca, came from Charleston and was a HUGE help with the shower!

 

love my family!  Cousin Chrissie and her mom Chris

my sweet friend Erin came all the way from NYC to spoil Carter!  Love this lady!

Our favorite Gamecock fans! 
Tami and Boni Belle

If you have more from the party that aren't on here, please email them to me!  I feel like I only have about half of what we took that day and would love to see more if they're out there.